beachbride2009

I'm still working out our budget...I think I'm going about it backwards tho...I'm figuring out what I WANT is going to cost, and that will pretty much dictate my budget and how much I have to save over the next 10 months! So far this is what I have (based on 35 guests): Wedding package: $2500 Travel & accommodations (2 weeks): $6000 Wedding day cocktail party/reception: $3500 Welcome party/dinner: $875 Photography: $4000 Videography: $750 Extra chairs/bows: $276 Flowers: Chuppa decorations: $220 Champagen/tiki torches etc: Ipod music rental equipment: $250 Projector & screen rental: Firedancers: Dancefloor rental: Furniture rental for reception: Mariachi band: $900 bloodwork: $250 Room deliveries: $140 OOT bags: Other decorations, etc: This totals around $20,000, NOT including all the things I don't have a price on yet! OUCH!!! This doesn't include anything like hair/makeup, spa, spending money, tips, and anything I'm spending at home like clothes and gifts etc. I think I'll be definitely revising this and making some unfortunate cuts, changes to the menu, etc.

I'm a bad budgeter and don't really have an idea of how much ours is going to cst yet. My biggest issue is the dinner. I don't know which way to go with the menu! We're planning the private cocktail party then reception on the beach, but I need help with choosing the best menu. Ladies, have any of you decided how you're going with the menu and would you mind sharing? I got the idea to leave the dessert off the menu and just have the cake for dessert, which I think is a good idea...

Andrea, I too had tears looking at your photos...especially during your ceremony! Gorgeous! Can you remember if your rooms had faceclothes in them? thanks and congrats!

I'm interested in the turquoise luggage tags...are they the colour in the pic or are they a little darker?

I would totally LOVE that info, if you could email it to me! Please and thanks!

Hi Royal PDC brides! I'm actually getting married at Azul Sensatori, but I LOVE the beach reception set-up that I've seen at the Royal. I've been searching and searching for non-pro pics of the set-up that I can email to the wedding coordinator at the Azul so they can look into it for me. I've read that the Royal uses Cancun Events & Weddings, but I can't seem to find a website for them? I would totally appreciate any info/pics that anyone could PM me? Thanks in advance! PS...I stayed at the Royal a couple years ago and saw a wedding (one of the contestants from the Apprentice!) and it was gorgeous! Would have loved to have chosen this resort myself but the kids thing was a problem.

December 2008 Susan & Jason - December 5, 2008 - Dreams Los Cabos Amy & Michael - December 5, 2008 - Dreams Tulum Danielle & Anthony - December 5, 2008 - Couples Swept Away, Jamaica Miriam & Herman - December 5, 2008 - Bavaro Princess, Punta Cana, DR Brianna & Danny - December 6, 2008 - Dreams Cancun Athena & Byron - December 6th, 2008 - The Royal in Playa del Carmen Ra'Shunda & Jason - December 6, 2008 - Secrets Capri in Playa del Carmen Laura & Josh - December 7, 2008 - Dreams Tulum Red & Matthew - Hopefully December 8, 2008 - somewhere in Jamaica! Sonia (chonee) & Juan - December 8, 2008 - Barcelo Maya Colonial Resort Anna & Sean - December 8, 2008 - Maui, Hawaii Kirsten & David - December 11, 2008 - El Dorado Royale Dianna & Eric - December 11, 2008 - Riu Ocho Rios Jamaica Andrea & Kevin (Kevsgirl) - December 12, 2008 - Shangri-La Caribe, Playa del Carmen Toni & Mike (Phillygal) - December 13, 2008 - Iberostar Rose Hall, Jamaica Me-Lihn and Matt - December 18, 2008 - El Dorado Royale Tee & Nick- December 19, 2008- Barbados , WI Jamie & Duke - December 28, 2008 - Las Caletas, PV Terri & John - December 29, 2008 - Holguin, Cuba, Playa Costa Verde January 2009 Sara & Ron - January 3rd, 2009 - Riu Bachata P.P Becky & Sean - January 5th, 2009 - Riu Ocho Rios Andrea and Bo(Davematthews16)-January 7, 2009-Barcelo Maya Palace Ashley & Brandon (bakerisacat) - January 10, 2009 - Riu Palace Las Americas Kelly & Ron (KLC77)- January 10, 2009- Paradisus Riviera Cancun Erica & Chris - January 10, 2009 - Barcelo Maya Beach Jodi and Hal- January 11, 2009- Beaches Boscobel- Ocho Rios, Jamaica Erin & Martin - January 13, 2009 - EdenH Real Arena - Dominican Republic Kristy and Mike- January 16, 2009- Dreams Cancun Michelle and Steve - Janauary 18, 2009 - Dreams Cancun Julia & John - January 20, 2009 - Las Caletas, PV Kate & Bill (soontobeamrs) - January 23, 2009 - Playa Fiesta, Puerto Vallarta Tracy & Jeff (BC Bride2be)- January 23,2009 - Dreams Tulum Amy & Chad - January 28, 2009 - Barcelo Marina Palace, Varadero Cuba Amy & Brian - January 28, 2009 - Jamaica Lindsay & Jamie - January 28, 2009 - Grande Palladium Bavaro, Punta Cana Chantal and Sheldon -January 20, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana February 2009 Andrea (Pug3636) & Alan - February 4, 2009 - RCCL Western Caribbean Cruise Garrett and Jaime - February 5, 2009 - RIU RM Palace, Playa del Carmen Kate (kleslie5) & Steve - February 6, 2009 - Playa Fiesta, PV, Mexico Christy (ccarmany23) & Mark- February 6, 2009- Hyatt Cancun Car., Mexico Nikki & Dean - February 14, 2009 - La Ropa Beach, Zihuatanejo, Mexico Jenny & Greg - February 28, 2009 - Le Méridien Cancun Resort & Spa, Mexico Kris & Joel - February 28, 2009 - Riu Montego Bay, Jamaica March 2009 Angel & Sanford - March 1, 2009 - Dreams Cancun Jess & Greg - March 3, 2009 Georgetown, Cayman Islands Michelle & Ricky - March 7, 2009 Riu Tropical Bay Negril, Jamaica Christina & Albert (tina82) - March 17 2009 RIU Ocho Rios, Jamaica Jamilah & Larence - March 21, 2009 - Montego Bay, Jamaica Tara & Hiram - March 23, 2009 - Sandals Grande Ocho Rios, Jamaica Lynn & Gareth - March 25 2009 - Sunset Jamaica Grande April 2009 Ana&Michael - April 1, 2009 - Dreams Los Cabos Mamie & Joshua - April 2,2009 - Bavaro Princess Kim & Chris - April 4, 2009 - location unknown at this time! Kerry & Graham - April 4, 2009 - Capella, Cabo San Lucas Whitney & Erik - April 4, 2009 - El Encanto Inn, San Jose Del Cabo Manney & Jamie- April 22, 2009 - Riu Santa Fe, Cabo San Lucas Selina& Artie-April 23, 2009- Occidental grand xcaret Nancy & Kenny - April 23, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Andi (CODestBride2009) & Reggie – April 24, 2009 – Las Caletas, Puerto Vallarta Leslie & James - April 24,2009 - Occidental Grand Xcaret, Riviera Maya, Mexico Michelle & Jeff - April 24,2009 - Meliá Caribe Tropical, Punta Cana, DR Joy & Erik - April 24, 2009 - Moon Palace Cancun, Mexico Diana & Anthony- April 25, 2009- Dreams Cancun, Mexico Savannah & Billy- April 25, 2009 Maya Tankah/Tulum, Mexico Jenny & Brad - April 25, 2009 Azul Sensatori Ali & Patrick - April 25, 2009 Cabo Surf Hotel, San Jose Del Cabo, MX May 2009 Shannon & Chris - May 2, 2009 - Gran Porto Real Resort, Playa Del Carmen, Mexico Beth & Jay - May 2 2009 -Dreams Tulum, Mexico Muriel & Jovan - May 2, 2009 - Le Reve, Playa Xcalacoco, Mexico Jaymie & Ales - May 4, 2009 - Dreams Cancun, Mexico Donna & Jef (dursula) - May 6, 2009 - CuisinArt Resort & Spa, Anguilla Shannon & Kenny (Shay2679) - May 07, 2009 - the Royal PDC, Mexico Wendy & Ivan - May 9, 2009 - Azul Sensatori, Mexico Kelly & Chris - May 9, 2009 - Unknown, Riviera Maya, Mexico Starlene & Jason - May 9, 2009 - Negril, Jamaica Kelly & Joe- May, 13, 2009 - Dreams Cancun, Mexico Nyssa & Joel - May 13, 2009 - Gran Bahia Principe Tulum, Mexico Miranda & Colin - May 14, 2009, Melia Cayo Guillermo, Cuba Mylee & Andrew - May 14, 2009, Iberostar Quetzal/ Tucan, Mexico Marie & Scott - May 15, 2009 - Dreams Cancun, Mexco Meagan & Jeff - May 15, 2009 Dreams Punta Cana, DR Stacey & Derek - May 15, 2009 Punta Cana, DR Maggie & Tim (IslamoradaBride) - May 16, 2009 Islamorada, Fla. Meagan & Matt (CDNgroom) - May 20, 2009 - Playa Del Carmen, MX K & R - May 22, 2009 - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Bianca & Chris - May 23, 2009 - Dreams Puerto Aventuras, Mexico Kristy & Chris (froggie1013) - May 23, 2009 - Villa Capri, St Lucia Tina & Nathan- May 23, 2009- Lucea, Jamaica Terry & Yamille - May 23, 2009 - Paradisus Riviera Cancun Jaime & Martin - May 24, 2009 - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Carla & Mark - May 27, 2009 - Gran Caribe Real, Cancun, Mexico Lisa & Tom (mummergirl) - May 28, 2009 - Dreams Cancun, Mexico Melissa & Jason (missybee99)- May 28, 2009- Dreams Los Cabos, MX Jenny & Bryan (SoontobeMsKniss) - May 29, 2009 - Key West, Florida Erica & Brandon - May 30, 2009 June 2009 April & Michael - June 1, 2009 - Wailea, Maui, HI Monique and Derrick - June 5th 2009 - Riu Ocho Rios, Jamaica Hanna & Josh - June 5, 2009 - Grand Palladium Colonial Mayan Riviera, MX Pauline & Roger - June 6, 2009 - Grenadian by Rex Resorts, Grenada Amanda & Thomas - June 6, 2009 - Dreams Los Cabos, MX Carolyn & Michael- June 6, 2009- Gran Caribe Real Cancun, MX Crystal & Branko ~ June 10, 2009 ~ Grand Palladium, Riviera Maya, Mexico Ashley & Dave - June 11, 2009 - Valentin Resort, Riviera Maya, Mexico Sorcha & Shannon - June 12, 2009 - St. John's, NF, Canada Jen & Brian - June 12, 2009 - Azul Sensatori, Riviera Maya, Mexico Roe & Seamus - June 22, 2009 - Bermuda MarieSam & Tommy (msam007562) -June 26, 2009- Las Casitas Beach & CEA Center, Akumal, MX July 2009 Aaron & Kristie - July 2, 2009 - Dreams Puerto Aventuras Kim & Eddy - July 3, 2009 _ Iberostar Del Mar Stephanie & Robert - July 10, 2009 - Honolulu, HI Geralyn & Steve - July 11, 2009 - RIU Montego Bay, Jamaica Rosemary & Miguel - July 11, 2009 - Dreams Cabo San Lucas, MX Rachel & Scott - July 16, 2009 - Aventura Spa Palace, Riviera Maya, MX August 2009 Jacilyn & Joe (Jacilynda) - August 8, 2009 - Hotel Akumal Caribe, MX Monique & Eric - August 15, 2009 - Dreams Los Cabos, MX Karen & Dan - August 15, 2009 Tiffiney & Ryan - August 15, 2009 - RIU Vallarta, MX Michelle & Brent - August 19, 2008 - Wynn Las Vegas, NV Tiffany & George - August 22, 2009 - Dreams Los Cabos, MX September 2009 Marijke & Rob - September 1 or 2, 2009 - Parga, Greece Amy & Clint - September 11, 2009 - Cancun, MX Lisa & Gary - September 17, 2009 - Maui, HI Dayla & Randell - September 19, 2009- Cancun/Riviera Maya, MX Vicki & David - September 26, 2009 - Buenaventura Puerto Vallarta, Mexico October 2009 Natasha & James - October 7,2009 --RIU Palace, Cabo San Lucas Ashley & Dustin - October 17, 2009 -- Dreams resort and spa cancun Danelle & Antonio - October 17, 2009 --Riu Palace Riviera Maya Angela & Jason - October 20, 2009 - Majestic Colonial, Punta Cana Heather & Matie - October 22, 2009 -- Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Josie & Marko - October 24, 2009 -- Dreams Tulum Dana & Eddie - October 24, 2009 -- Moon Palace Cancun Jenny & Matthew - October 27, 2009 -- Melia Caribe Tropical, Punta Cana, DR Emily & Kevin - October 28, 2009 -- Melia Las Dunas, Cayo Santa Maria, November 2009 Jodey & Simon - November 12th 2009 - Dreams resort and spa Cancun Carrie & Andy - November 13, 2009 - Beaches Negril Alicia & Rob - November 14, 2009 - Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Joanne & Mark - November 14, 2009 - Iberostar Grand, Mexico Mirna & Louis-November 15th 2008-Dreams Cancun Leslie & Gerry - November 16th, 2009- Majestic Colonial, Punta Cana Pam & Toy - November 20th, 2009 - Azul Sensatori, Riviera Maya Valerie & Ryan - November 21, 2009 - Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa Mary & Paul - November 28th 2009 - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico I am adding Dustin and Ashley October 17, 2009 At Dreams Cancun December 2009 Leslie & Jay - December 5, 2009 - Moon Dance Cliffs Jamaica Jen & Kenny - December 12, 2009 - Excellence Playa Mujeres Nadine & Jesse -December 30, 2009 - Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa January 2010 Ginalyn & Jeff- January 2, 2010 - Cancun, Mexico Aimee & Theodore- January, 8, 2010 - Iberostar Tucan, Mexico Shannon & Lauchlan- January 27th, 2010- Puerto Vallarta Mexico February 2010 Melissa & Sean- February 10, 2010- St. Thomas USVI Linda & Ton- February 22, 2010- Costa Rica April 2010 Veronica & Patrick (vgirl17) - April 24, 2010 - Moon Palace, Cancun MX May 2010 Victoria & Eric- May 11, 2010- Excellence Riviera Cancun Resort Belle & Jean-Claude - May 27,2010- St. Kitts, B.W.I. Craig & Fiona - May 28th, 2010 - Moon Palace December 2010 Carla & Christoper (adias.angel) - December 11, 2010 - Riviera Maya

I too, am going to use lanterns. I am going to use them with an LED tealight as part of my table centerpieces. I am also debating on whether paper or nylon will allow more light through. If anyone knows, I'd be happy to hear their opinions!

Hi ladies...strange question for anyone who has stayed at the Sensatori already: do you remember if the rooms had face cloths? Many hotels I've stayed at in the past don't have them, and I thought they would be a great idea for OOT bags if they aren't! Thanks in advance!

Thanks a million for all your work putting this together!!!

Calgary here...anyone else from Calgary going to the big Bridal Show on Jan 25th at the Round-up Centre

Hi Jessica, It's Pam from Calgary! I'll check out your website! Ladies, Jessica did my save-the-dates and they are awesome...I've had so many compliments on them since sending them out! Jessica was a pleasure to work with and very professional! I HIGHLY recommend her! Thanks again Jessica!

Quote: Originally Posted by Katherine4-09 Thanks, are you going to do the one with words, or find instrumental versions of the songs? I am thinking of doing Jack Johnson songs, Better togather is top choice although we might pick that for wedding song I figured I did not want traditional music for the cermony it's good to hear that someone else is not doing the norm as well! I'm not sure yet! I guess it depends on the songs I choose...I'm totally torn on what song to use when.

I also love Bittersweet Symphony but I can't seem to find an instrumental version I like...if anyone knows, please share, thanks!

Quote: Originally Posted by Katherine4-09 Question for everyone: Ok for those getting married on the beach, what type of music are you having for your cermony? I thought about traditional, but then not sure since our wedding is non traditional so then I am thinking what about some nice Jack Johnson songs etc that kind of fit into the theme? What is everyone else doing? Thanks! I've got a short list of the ones I love for the ceremony...I'm thinking I'll use a few of them for processional, recessional, signing, etc. Just not sure which for what! Love You Til the End - The Pogues I'm Yours - Jason Mraz Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole You're So Cool (from True Romance) - Dan Head Better Together - Jack Johnson Wouldn't It Be Nice - Beach Boys

Quote: Originally Posted by khoyle I haven't decided on my music for sure yet, but I was thinking acoustic versions of popular songs, like anything by the Beatles or Jack Johnson, etc. My main concern is still where to have my reception! When Lenka14 wrote about the "meeting rooms" and the fact that you can have your party there until 1am instead of 11pm it really made me think. Does anyone know how much extra the meeting rooms/extra two hours cost? I never thought I'd have an indoor wedding at a resort, but we are big party-people and I can't imagine shutting down the good times at 11! Thanks Kelly Hi Kelly, I thought the same thing with the wedding shutting down at 11pm, however my FI and I discussed it, and we think what we are going to do is pre-book some vans to take anyone who wants to party more to Puerto Morelos for about 1115pm...there are some great little bars to have a great after-party in! Then anyone who doesn't want to go can hang out at the Mojito Bar or whatever. PM is only about a 10 minute drive from the resort. Then guests can grab a cab back whenever they want to bail. I'll see if we need to make reservations in town, but i doubt it by 1130pm! We're getting married on a Friday so there should be some places open late, I haven't dug that far into it yet.

Quote: Originally Posted by beachbride2009 I agree too...does anyone know anything about Puerto Morelos and whether there are some fun cantinas to go to as a group for some fun? I just answered my own question...sounds like it would be fun for a more authentic Mexican night out rather than going all the way to Cancun or PDC...apparently it's only a 10 minute cab ride. Puerto Morelos: Nightlife - TripAdvisor

Quote: Originally Posted by rtswan I totally agree!!! I wish there were a dance club in the resort so I wouldn't have to take the whole group to Cancun I agree too...does anyone know anything about Puerto Morelos and whether there are some fun cantinas to go to as a group for some fun?

Quote: Originally Posted by beckerba Would anyone be willing to share what their second and third choices were to Azul? We had looked at the Iberostar Grand Pariso and Cozumel Palace. We also had to avoid adults only resorts due to a couple of kids that were attending the wedding. I wasn't considering it, but I've heard Dreams Tulum is excellent...I've read some posting by the Dreams brides and they have all been really positive (since the re-opening). Tripadvisor also had excellent recent reviews.

New T/A review! It's a goodie! Puerto Morelos forum: At Azul Sensatori Now - TripAdvisor

Stunning! Thanks for sharing!!!

I guess you could call me lucky...my date isn't until next November, so I have a year for all the problems to be solved. I know there are a lot of you who don't have that luxury and are really concerned. I am hoping what we've been reading on tripadvisor are isolated incidents and now that they've been brought to upper management's attention, they are looking into it more seriously. That is the impression I get, and when I talk to Karisma this week I will be quite firm about getting some answers for us all. I have a feeling that one of the "kinks" that is needing attention is the staff, and I really don't think that Karisma as a solid hotel chain can afford to keep anyone around in any of their hotels that causes their guests to be concerned, especially for their own safety. I will definitely address this issue with Karisma. From what I've read on tripadvisor, the hotel is losing a lot of business right now from the postings (it sounds like a LOT of people are switching last minute) and with the economy the way it is right now and into the unseeable future, they are going to have to kick it up a few notches if the hotel is to be profitable. My guess is that we will see some serious changes in the next month. Fingers crossed. As soon as I get off the phone with Karisma I'll let you know what I learned!

I just got an email from a contact at Karisma that says "everything is looking really good and we have reinforced staff to ensure all the issues are solved immediately". I had sent an email to her with the link to the tripadvisor "live report" thread voicing my concerns about the theft and security etc. I'm going to be chatting with her next week so I will try and get some concrete answers on what's being done specifically to fix the issues. I'll keep you posted!

Quote: Originally Posted by JHarwood2Be That's all fine and dandy, I'm not worried about the wedding. I know that'll turn out fine. What I am worried about is my guests coming back to their rooms and having their safe drilled out of the wall! No TA can guarantee that will not happen. I agree with you JHarwood...I'm also concerned that my invited guests will start reading these reports on tripadvisor and get the wrong idea about the resort and opt not to come because of them. Our wedding is 11 months away, so a lot can happen in the meantime and I am confident everything will be worked out by then, however I don't want anyone to get spooked by all the negative reviews!

I'mthinking a site visit might be a good idea! Get down there and scout out some locations!